Orthodontic correction of severe Class II malocclusion in a patient with Prader-Willi syndrome

The combined orthodontic and restorative treatment for patients with malocclusion and dentition defects: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

To explore the effects of a combined orthodontic and restorative approach on chewing, swallowing, and language function in patients with malocclusion and dental defects.

METHODS

A total of 112 patients with malocclusion and dentition defects admitted to the Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 2019 to June 2022 were prospectively selected. The patients were divided into study and control groups using a simple random number table method, with 56 patients in each group. The control group received routine restoration, whereas the study group received a combination of orthodontic and restorative treatments. The chewing function, swallowing and language function, and gingival periodontal condition before and after treatment in both groups were compared using t-test or Wilcoxon test, while treatment satisfaction were compared using chi-square test or Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

After treatment, maximum area frame bite force/max movie force in both groups increased compared to before treatment, while occlusion time, bite force distrbution balance, and standard deviation hue decreased compared to before treatment. Moreover, maximum area frame bite force/max movie force in the study group was higher than that in the control group, whereas occlusion time, bite force distrbution balance, and standard deviation hue were lower than those in the control group (P < .05). The swallowing and language function scores of the study group were higher than those of the control group (P < .05). After treatment, the bleeding index, plaque index, and probing depth of both groups decreased compared to before treatment, and the study group was lower than the control group (P < .05). The treatment satisfaction of the study group (94.64%) was higher than that of the control group (82.14%) (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Adopting a combined orthodontic and restorative approach to intervene in patients with malocclusion and dentition defects is beneficial for improving their periodontal condition, effectively restoring chewing, swallowing, and language functions, and achieving high patient satisfaction.

Sleep Disorders in Children with Prader Willi Syndrome: Current Perspectives

Children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) face a multitude of potential health challenges including life-threatening obesity, endocrinopathies, behavioral and emotional dysregulation, developmental delays, and sleep disorders. In the current perspective piece, we provide a focused review of the condition's etiology and clinical findings, as well as a more in-depth discussion of sleep disorders frequently associated with PWS. In particular, we highlight and discuss difficult clinical scenarios frequently encountered by the pediatric sleep physician caring for this patient population, including diagnosis and treatment of complex sleep-related breathing disorders, considerations for sleep apnea surgery, the interplay between growth hormone and sleep apnea, diagnostic challenges in hypersomnia/narcolepsy, and current and emerging therapies for hypersomnia/narcolepsy. Overall, although there are many areas that need further research, sleep disorders remain a fruitful target for improving quality of life of children with PWS and their families.

Oral and maxillofacial outcomes in children with microcephaly associated with the congenital Zika syndrome

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study is to assess the oral and maxillofacial characteristics of microcephalic children associated with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS).

METHODS

A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out with 61 patients with microcephaly/CZS born between June 2015 and September 2017 (29 boys and 32 girls, average age of 22.8 months) and a control group with 58 non-CZS children born in the same period (25 boys and 33 girls, average age of 23.8 months). The functional clinical analysis considered the labial and lingual frena, tongue anterior projection, oral escape, palate form, and first tooth eruption. For the craniofacial analysis, facial anthropometric points and the cephalic perimeter at the time were measured. Demographic data were collected from medical records, and a clinical exam was performed in order to register the intrabuccal characteristics and craniofacial measures. The chi-square test and Student's t-test were used with a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

The narrow palate form, tongue anterior projection, oral escape, and late first tooth eruption were significantly more present in the group with microcephaly/CZS. As for the craniofacial analysis, face width (Bi-Zi), mandible width (Go-Go), height of face upper third (Tr-G), and monthly growth of cephalic perimeter were significantly smaller, whereas height of face lower third (Sn-Gn) was significantly bigger in the group with microcephaly/CZS (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Children with microcephaly resulting from a congenital Zika infection showed functional, oral, and maxillofacial changes and smaller facial development in comparison with non-CZS children in the same age group.

Bridging Oral and Systemic Health in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome: Case Reports and Dental Treatment Recommendations

BACKGROUND

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder caused by gene alterations on chromosome 15q11-q13, resulting in hyperphagia and neuroendocrine deficits. A comprehensive guide for dental treatment for PWS is lacking despite numerous case reports. The objective of this report was to develop a problem-focused list of the interrelationship between oral and systemic parameters of PWS and enable dentists in anticipating the unique treatment needs of children and individuals with PWS.

METHODS

Four pediatric patients with PWS presenting to an academic dental clinic were evaluated. A literature review spanning the last twenty years was performed to identify the pathophysiological impact of systemic problems on dental health and treatment.

RESULTS

The four cases along with cases from the literature were used to enumerate salient oro-dental and systemic features influencing treatment decisions in dentistry. They formed the basis for collective recommendations and precautions for rendering dental treatment in patients with PWS.

CONCLUSION

Sedation for dental treatment is contraindicated due to obesity (BMI over 95th percentile), hypotonia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and respiratory limitations (restricted ventilation due to weight on thoracic cage). Prolonged recovery from general anesthesia, OSA, and temperature dysregulation necessitate extended monitoring after dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. Orthopedic problems and respiratory limitations exclude protective stabilization. Xerostomia and acidic saliva necessitate recommendations for oral rehydrating products. Periodontal assessment is necessary due to poor oral hygiene and diabetes mellitus. Early establishment of a dental home and risk-based frequency of dental care should address caries prevention and restorative needs.

Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment of a Patient With Prader-Willi Syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a defect in paternally expressed genes in the 15q11-q13 region. Prader-Willi syndrome affects many parts of the body and involves craniofacial and dentofacial abnormalities. We herein report the successful 2-stage orthodontic treatment of an 8-year-old girl with PWS caused by paternal 15q11-q13 deletion. She presented with a skeletal class II relationship with mandibular deviation, a deep overbite, and severe crowding of the lower dental arch. Functional appliance therapy was utilized to improve her skeletal discrepancy. The second phase of orthodontic treatment using fixed appliances was started at 14.5 years old, which improved her remained crowding and large overbite. As a result, her facial appearance and occlusion were improved without any discernible relapse after 2 years of retention. We describe the outcomes of orthodontic treatment for a patient with PWS and discuss the specific attention during orthodontic treatment.